The Paris Exhibit by Hélène McGuire at Choc O Pain Bakery

CHOC∙O∙PAIN French Bakery & Café will host an art opening reception on Thursday, June 6, 2019 from 6-8pm. To kick off a three-month exhibition from June through August, Choc O Pain's Hudson Tea Building in Hoboken will feature the artwork of artist Hélène McGuire, a former Hoboken resident. 

 The popular artist will be presenting a collection of her fine art photography works entitled The Paris Exhibit, a series that came naturally after 15 years living away from her native city of Paris. Returning to France, slowly but surely, became a pilgrimage, a way to rediscover the city through a blend of memories and fresh eyes, French blood in an expat shell. This anthem is intended to keep growing with the years.

CHOC∙O∙PAIN will offer light refreshments and bubbly/wine.

CHOC∙O∙PAIN / Hudson Tea Building

1500 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ

(entrance through 1500 Washington Street, off the roundabout)

201-683-3300/ www.chocopainbakery.com /@chocopainbakery

PORTALS, A Photo Experience by Canon in NYC

Canon is hosting PORTALS, a pop-up photo experience in NYC that ends this Sunday, November 18th, and then heads to Los Angeles. The 11-day pop-up is built around photo moments that transports visitors to an entirely new world by embedding camera tips and tricks into the consumer journey. It's made up of five unique photography setups, allowing both amateur and experienced photographers to create exciting, instagrammable photos. This pop-up experience allows guests to shoot with and get familiar with the features of Canon cameras.

Check out the PORTALS website at CanonPORTALS.com for information on the photo walks and educational workshops that Canon is hosting. You can also check out the #CanonPORTALS hashtag to see what other attendees are sharing. 

PORTALS, A Photo Experience by Canon 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18TH 

(weekdays, 3-9pm;Saturday, 12-9pm; Sundays, 12-8pm), 

107 GRAND STREET IN SOHO 

Portal of Focus 

Switch to a wide aperture lens to adjust depth of field and open a portal of focus

Portal of New Perspectives

Used the flip screen of the Canon camera, laid the camera down, and used my phone to actually take the shot

Portal of Reflection 

Offers a more thoughtful, pensive, sometimes surreal perspective. This shot uses the flip screen of the Canon camera

Portal of Light

Used the low-light and long exposure features of the Canon camera to open up a portal of light.

Since the company I work for full time manufactures rugs, 

this flying rug experience was a fun one to shoot!

- Kim Weling

Style, Smile and Shop Event at Y Gallery Salon

On Tuesday, May 13th, SoHo's Y Gallery Salon, co-owned by artistic directors Yoni Kreger and Yaniv Levy, and Women's Mafia social club teamed up to host Style, Smile and Shop, featuring celebrity portrait photographer Amber De Vos and fashion designer Kristi Vosbeck. The glamorous and fun evening was filled with wine and hors d'oeuvres as guests enjoyed salon services, makeup touch-ups and a photo shoot. 

I started off my evening with a hair cut and blow out by celebrity and editorial hair stylist and makeup artist Clara Oh, who did a fabulous job on both my hair and makeup. I love her technique of cutting my hair first, so she can see how my hair falls naturally, and then washing it out and styling it. When it comes to hair and makeup, she really assesses what works for my face shape and complexion. She was able to keep my hair long, while adding layers, volume and texture. I would definitely come back for a cut and style with Clara and a color treatment or highlights when I decide to experiment with color! 

I also enjoyed a hand treatment by celebrity esthetician, makeup artist and author of Spa Wars, Lora Condon, as she walked me through her all-natural Beauty Buster Skincare line, which recently launched. The anti-aging line contains healing ingredients such as meadowfoam, rose, sandalwood, pine, Vitamin E and lavender. The skincare  is animal cruelty free and also free of parabens, mineral oil, artificial fragrances and SD alcohol. 10% of sales go to brave soldiers and their families. Donations are also sent to the Freedom Alliance, a charity that gives college scholarships to children who's parents have been either killed or permanently disabled in military action. 

I met with designer Kristi Vosbeck and chose a bold, cowl neck halter to wear for my photo shoot with Amber De Vos. Kristi's designs have a vintage flair with a modern twist. I especially love Kristi's gowns which are both luxurious and elegant. Some of my favorite's of Kristi's designs is the Mardelle ox blood halter dress, Phyllis French Python metallic silk frock and Distressed Damsel silk ruffle skirt with lambskin bodice.

I ended the night with my photo shoot with Amber De Vos. Amber was fun and easy to work and great with giving posing direction. The shoot felt very natural and was super quick, as Amber got the shots she needed from me in just a few minutes. I like being surprised by my photos and loved the one that Amber presented to me! You can check out some of Amber's portfolio here.

Thank you Marcy, Clara, Lora, Kristi, Amber and Y Gallery Salon for a fun and fabulous night!

Beauty Buster Skincare

Kristi Vosbeck rope necklace halter in gold lurex jacquard

With Kristi Vosbeck

With Marcy Clark of Women's Mafia

- Kim Weling

Windows: Art Meets Technology featuring We Are Juxt

"Best Friends" by Mike Hill 

Shot with Nokia Lumia 1020

On March 4th, I attended the Windows: Art Meets Technology exhibition, featuring mobile photography by We are Juxt. We Are Juxt partnered with Microsoft for the Windows Phone Challenge, creating a group of photos shot and edited with the Nokia Lumia 920 and Nokia Lumia 1020. The exhibit featured Mike Hill, Bridgette Shima, Brad Puet, Josh St. Germain, Matt Coch, Richard Koci Hernandez, Joel Aversing, Andre Hermann, and guest Jean-Brice Lemal.

The photography was so crisp and clear, it's hard to believe they were shot with a smartphone. During the exhibit, guests were also able to check out the latest Windows devices, including the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 2, Nokia Lumia Icon and Nokia Lumia 2520.

Here are some photos I took during the exhibition with my 

Nokia Lumia 1020

"Delivered" by Joel Aversing

"So the Bike Says to the Fire Hydrant: Dopez. Get it?" by Brad Puet

Shot with Nokia Lumia 1020

"Stay Connected" by Bridgette Shima

Shot with Nokia Lumia 1020

"Prometheus" by Richard Koci Hernandez

Shot with Nokia Lumia 1020

Below photos by Tracey G Photography

Lucas taking me through some impressive Windows Phone Apps

- Kim Weling